Council Update February 2022
Message from the Shire President
It’s with a heavy heart that I open this year’s first newsletter with Council’s deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of one of our own. Following a tragic incident last week, we are working to support all those affected and ensure that such events cannot be repeated.
It also serves as a reminder that all of us operating businesses and looking after staff must ensure that we have systems and processes in place to effectively prevent, and respond to, accidents and emergencies.
It also comes at a time when COVID is starting to spread through WA. The Shire – like many of us – is doing its best to respond to the ever-evolving requirements to meet State Directions. Our staff will be required to remind visitors to our facilities to ensure that they check in or sign in and, as of 21 February, wear masks indoors. Please help to make their jobs easy by following the rules.
Despite these challenges, the business of local government is continuing. The coming months will see a large proportion of our $10m capital works program accounted for, as the Mingenew-Mullewa Road is widened, Coalseam Road Bridge completed and cyclone-related road repairs undertaken. We will also be undertaking restoration works at the Railway Station, making improvements to the path network on Mingenew Hill and continuing our upgrade of the playgrounds and surrounds at Cecil Newton Park.
We have also been actively lobbying for improvements to the delivery of rural ambulance services, and support for our hard-working volunteers as well as pushing for sensible changes to the Local Government Act, which continues to be under review.
Whilst recent events have been terribly saddening, the future for the district remains bright, with a bumper harvest completed and a buoyant agricultural sector overall. I want to wish everyone all the best for 2022, and remind you all of the great support that exists within our community.
– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President
Workplace Incident
The Shire of Mingenew can confirm that, on the afternoon of 16 February 2022, an incident occurred which resulted in the terrible loss of one of our team. Our deepest condolences are with their family and loved ones at this time.
The matter was promptly reported to the relevant authorities, and we will be assisting with any resulting investigation to determine the cause of this tragic event and ensure it cannot be repeated. Whilst this investigative process is taking place we will not be offering comment regarding the incident.
We are quite a small team, and a close team; this tragedy has impacted us all, and its effects will be felt well into the future. I ask at this difficult time that the privacy of staff and their families is respected. We would like to thank those – in our community and beyond – who have reached out messages of condolence and support at this difficult time.
We are also conscious that members of the community will be impacted by this news and have been working with the TC Seroja Recovery Hub to arrange for counsellors to be available locally for anyone who wants to speak with one.
Centacare: 9921 1433
Desert Blue Connect (Tara): 0409 642 745
Bushfire Brigade Volunteer Requirements
With the introduction of new Occupational Safety and Health legislation in March 2022, and a recent State Government COVID-19 vaccination direction, some of the requirements for Bush Fire Brigade volunteers are changing. The Shire is advocating for simple and practical methods to manage these new requirements, but will ultimately be bound by the laws the State Government adopts.
One of the new requirements is for Brigade volunteers to provide proof of COVID vaccination (single vaccination by 31/12/21; double vaccination by 31/1/22). This can be done through the DFES Volunteer Hub (click here to access) – and all existing Brigade members are encouraged to register if they have not already. If you are unsure of your Volunteer # or other details, your Brigade Captain, or the Shire, can assist.
If you don’t have access to the Hub, you can send a copy of your certificate to Erin Greaves at the Shire (governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au or 0477 287 144) and we can lodge it with DFES on your behalf.
Mingenew-Mullewa Road Works
Over the coming weeks, the full length of Mingenew-Mullewa Road will be widened and linemarked. Please observe any traffic signals or signage and drive to the conditions. The sealing works for the southern, fully reconstructed section, will coincide with the sealing of View, Yandanooka and Wattle Streets, as well as the section of Phillip Street between Showgrounds Road and Shenton Street. You can find road condition information on our website at any time.
Cecil Newton Park Project Update
The shade sails have gone up in Cecil Newton Park, and our crew is now working on some new irrigation reticulation and seating, to be installed in the coming weeks. Following that, the BMX track will be shaped and the existing driveway relocated.
We also have a number of plants and trees currently growing and ready for planting once we experience a break in the weather. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to complete this project; challenges with materials, contracts and staffing in the past 12 months have all impacted our timetable, but we are determined to see completion in the coming months.
Providing Feedback
We welcome your feedback at the Shire, and have a purpose-built feedback form available on our website (here), or at our office, if you have a comment, compliment, complaint, or request for service.
Using the form will ensure that your feedback makes it to the correct person in our organisation and is properly captured in our records system.
Shire SMS Service
To improve our public communication the Shire sends out text messages for key fire, road and community-related matters. It’s easy and free to get on the list. If you would like to be added to the database, please fill in a form at the Shire office or complete one online here.
TC Seroja
The Shire is continuing to maintain its website resources for those impacted by the cyclone. You can view it here:
Financial Assistance:
The State and Federal Governments continue to offer a range of funding for primary producers, business owners and residential property owners, including those who have insurance. If you have suffered any damage or loss, we strongly encourage you to check and see what you may be eligible for. A full list can be found here.
Assistance Hubs
A permanent hub has been established in Morawa by DFES, Department of Communities and the Red Cross to assist anyone impacted. Officers from this hub will be at the Mingenew CRC every Monday if you want to ask questions or get some help.
Insurance:
If you have questions or need help with insurance claims, contact the Insurance Council catastrophe hotline on 1800 734 621 or visit their website (here). They can assist with any complaints or issues you may be having with your insurer.
More Information:
- DFES Emergency Recovery website
- ABC Radio in the Mid West and Wheatbelt: 828AM or 531AM
- Department of Communities Disaster Response Hotline: 1800 032 965
- In a life-threatening situation, always call 000
Fire Season
Whilst we are now in a Restricted Burning period (1 February 2022 to 15 March 2022), it’s important that permits are sought for all fires. It is also critical that the ongoing high fire risk is considered by those undertaking potentially risky activities – especially with the ongoing hot and windy weather
We strongly advise that you remain prepared for bushfire season – particularly this year, as the wet weather and cyclone have added to fuel loads. You can find out more about bushfire planning here.
You can also keep track of WA’s bushfire warning and fire bans online here.
Mosquito Activity
If you are having issues with mosquitoes at your property, please let the Shire know (visit the office, call 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au) so that we can investigate and treat the issue.
We can only do so much on our own though, so please help by:
- Emptying out standing water that they could breed in
- Tidying up any debris which might be serving as a breeding ground
- Consider treating your property residual sprays to control mosquitoes
- Let us know about issues in public areas. We can help treat standing water on or near your property which might be serving as a breeding ground that can’t be emptied out
You can find out more about controlling mosquitoes around your home through the Department of Health as well: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-living/Prevent-mosquito-bites
Council Meeting Review – February 2022
With no meeting in January, our first meeting for 2022 covered off several key items:
- Council adopted the minutes from the 7 February Electors Meeting
- Council adopted its annual budget review, maintaining a balanced budget bottom line
- Councillors were appointed to the Community Assistance Scheme Panel; shortly they will meet to endorse projects for the latest CAS funding round
- Council made a decision regarding the use of the Tourist Centre:
- The Mingenew Mid West Expo will take over the centre as their new office
- The Mingenew CRC will receive support to deliver tourist services from the old Bank Building, which they are in the process of taking over
- Council voted against the registration of the former North West Stock Route in the Shire
- Council confirmed that the monthly Concept Forum meetings will be open to address from members of the public between 5.00-5.30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of March, May, July, September and November
Meeting minutes can be obtained on the Shire website (click here).